Automatic spray-painting machine

ABSTRACT

A conveyor extends into a spray station from an exterior loading station. At least one fixture for supporting a mask and work pieces is engageable with the conveyor for movement into the spray station. The conveyor preferably continues the movement on through the spray station, and out the opposite side, so that the enclosure forming the spray station can be shorter than the length of the fixture assembly in the direction of movement of the conveyor. Space under one side of the conveyor is utilized for mask-washing equipment. Lateral transfer means, together with an elevator system, moves the work support and mask from the conveyor to and through the washing station. A program controller determines the painting cycle according to easily preset adjustments, and spray gun assemblies can be lifted out and installed as a unit for each job set-up. A down-draft ventilation system in the work station accommodates the wide range of painting conditions the machine is capable of handling.

Szczepanslti [451 Aug. 13, 1974 [76] Inventor: Harry Szczepanski, 900Clancy, N.

E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503 [22] Filed: Feb. 7, 1973 [21] Appl. No.:330,330

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 79,012, Oct. 8,1970, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl 118/7, 118/70, 118/324, 118/DIG. 7, 134/58 R [51] Int. Cl.B05c 5/00, 1305c 11/16 [58] Field of Search 118/7, 324, 326, D16. 7,1155/70, 2; 134/58 R, 58 D, 68

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,811,130 10/1957 Friderici118/324 X 3,453,983 7/1969 Rose 118/7 3,498,257 3/1970 Grefe et a1 118/7X Primary Examiner-John P. McIntosh Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Glenn B.Morse 5 7] ABSTRACT A conveyor extends into a spray station from anexterior loading station. At least one fixture for supporting a mask andwork pieces is engageable with the conveyor for movement into the spraystation. The conveyor preferably continues the movement on through thespray station, and out the opposite side, so that the enclosure formingthe spray station can be shorter than the length of the fixture assemblyin the direction of movement of the conveyor. Space under one side ofthe conveyor is utilized for mask-washing equipment. Lateral transfermeans, together with an elevator system, moves the work support and maskfrom the conveyor to and through the washing station. A programcontroller determines the painting cycle according to easily presetadjustments, and spray gun assemblies can be lifted out and installed asa unit for each job set-up. A down-draft ventilation system in the workstation accommodates the wide range of painting conditions the machineis capable of handling.

4 Claims, 62 Drawing Figures PAIENIEB 3.828.721

sum 02 or 23 PAUENTEU AUG 1 31974 SHEET 06 0F 23 PATENIEUMJBI 319743328.721

sum as m 23 Fig. l

PATENTED v 3,828,721

sum 11 or 23 PATENTEUAUGI 31974 sum 17 or 23 274 Fig. 48

PATENIED AUG 1 31574 3, 828,721

SHEET 19 HF 23

1. In combination with a machine having a structure forming a workstation, and having a conveyor adapted to move workpieces into said workstation, said machine also having at least one operative device in saidwork station structure for performing operations on workpieces, aprogram controller for said machine comprising: a frame normally fixedwith respect to said work station structure said frame having meansforming a guideway; an actuator carriage movably mounted on saidguideway, said carriage having an arm extending transversely to thedirection of movement of said actuator carriage on said guideway; atleast one actuator member adjustably mounted on said arm in differentpositions of extension laterally from said arm; at least one detectorelement mounted on said frame adjacent the path of movement of saidactuator member, said positions of said member corresponding tointerception and avoidance of said detector element, respectively; drivemeans positively associating the movement of said actuator carriage andconveyor; and communicating means associating said detector element withsaid operative device whereby said device is energised in response tosaid detector element.
 2. A combination as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid detector element is adjustably mounted for placement in selectedpositions along a line parallel to said path.
 3. A combination asdefined in claim 2, wherein said drive means induces a proportionalmotion of said actuator carriage with respect to said conveyor.
 4. Acombination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuator member isrotatable about said arm to establish said positions.